Risk management at the Group

Daimler has a risk management system (see Risk and Opportunity Report) commensurate with its size and position as a company with global operations. The risk management system is one component of the overall planning, controlling and reporting process. Its goal is to enable the company’s management to recognize significant risks at an early stage and to initiate appropriate countermeasures in a timely manner. The Supervisory Board deals with the risk management system in particular with regard to the approval of the operational planning. The Audit Committee discusses at least once a year the effectiveness and functionality of the risk management system with the Board of Management and the external auditors. In addition, the Audit Committee regularly deals with the risk report. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board has regular contacts with the Board of Management to discuss not only the Group’s strategy and business development, but also the issue of risk management. The Internal Auditing department monitors adherence to the legal framework and Group standards by means of targeted audits and initiates appropriate actions as required.

Accounting policies

The consolidated financial statements of the Daimler Group are prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as adopted by the European Union, and with the supplementary standards to be applied according to Section 315a Subsection 1 of the German Commercial Code (HGB). Details of the IFRS are provided in this Annual Report in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The annual financial statements of Daimler AG, which is the parent company, are prepared in accordance with the accounting standards of the German Commercial Code (HGB). Both sets of financial statements are audited by a firm of accountants elected by the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting to conduct the external audit.

Interim reports for the Daimler Group are prepared in accordance with IFRS for interim reporting, as adopted by the European Union, as well as with regard to the interim management reports prepared in accordance with the applicable provisions of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG). Interim financial reports are reviewed by the external auditors elected by the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting.